By: Darryl W. Thomas
Connally High Students to Host Book Signing, Celebrate Leadership and Literacy
WACO, Texas — In an era marked by mounting academic pressure and constant distractions, Connally High School is igniting a passion for learning and leadership among its students.
On May 6, the school will host a book signing for Today We Win: How Real Students Found the Answers to Life’s Tests, a student-authored compilation developed through the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program. The event will celebrate students who completed the eight-week course focused on leadership development, accountability and advocacy.
The program, founded by U.S. Marine and leadership expert Darryl W. Thomas Jr., helps students build confidence and discover the power of storytelling. Each participant contributed a personal essay to the book, reflecting on challenges, growth and lessons learned.
“This is about helping students find their voice and realize they can be the author of their own future,” said Thomas, who founded Committed 2 Win to mentor youth through leadership training.
With 77% of Connally’s student population classified as economically disadvantaged and a similar percentage identifying as minorities, these achievements reflect the resilience and determination of a community that continues to rise above adversity.
The May 6 event will offer the public a chance to meet the young authors, hear their stories and learn more about the program’s impact. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book.
“This is more than a book. It’s a movement,” Thomas said. “We’re building leaders who know how to use their experiences to create positive change.”
For more information about the book signing or the Captains Circle Peer Leadership Program, contact Connally High School or visit committed2win.org.
Editor’s Note: Event details are subject to change. Please verify information with the hosting organization.
Contact Committed 2 Win
O: (254) 436-7349
E: info@committed2win.com
www.committed2win.com
April is National Volunteer Month! This month, recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers by getting involved, developing skills, forming relationships, and making tangible impacts in our community. Consider your own interests, reflect on your availability, and apply to help businesses in the Greater Waco area! Check out the new Volunteer Board for additional opportunities.
Art Center Waco has many volunteer opportunities, including work with their art summer camps, general family events, artists workshops, and much more. Until July 2025, Art Center Waco will be accepting applications for this summer’s Elementary and Teen Art Camps. High school students have the opportunity to lead as Youth Ambassadors for Art Center Waco. Apply, email a staff member at info@artcenterwaco.org, or call the center at (254)-752-4371 for additional details.
The Waco Animal Birth Control Clinic is a primary resource for pet owners and lovers in the community. Help out the fantastic veterinarians and veterinary technicians by organizing rabies tags, cleaning and labeling syringes, and doing loads of laundry for the health and happiness of our animal friends. Visit https://www.animalbirthcontrol.org/volunteer to apply for positions and track volunteer hours.
The Cameron Park Zoo offers unique volunteering experiences, including aiding animal keepers, entertaining park guests with hands-on activities, and maintaining the grounds’ garden life. The Zoo Crew is the park’s teen volunteer program, which runs through summer and gives kids real zookeeping experiences. For applications and additional information, visit https://www.cameronparkzoo.com/programs/volunteer/.
WACO, Texas – RESCHEDULED – Brazos Nights returns this summer with a season of free concerts along the Brazos River, offering live music, local food trucks and family-friendly activities.The popular concert series begins Friday, April 25th, at Indian Spring Park, just off University Parks Drive. This year’s opening act is Bowling for Soup, a Texas-based band known for hits such as “1985,” “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “High School Never Ends.”Concertgoers can enjoy the riverfront amphitheater’s scenic views while sampling local cuisine and participating in community events. Additional performances are scheduled throughout the summer, including a special Independence Day celebration on July 4 at McLane Stadium.For a full schedule of events, performers and vendor details, visit the official Brazos Nights website.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
The Jubilee Food Market of Mission Waco is set to close on March 31st.
On Wednesday, a statement was uploaded to Mission Waco’s platforms announcing the closure of the cherished community store at the end of the month.
In 2016, with the help of many generous donors, we started Jubilee Food Market to provide affordable, fresh food options in our neighborhood, which had limited access to groceries. Over the past seven years, positive improvements in local food availability—including new grocery stores, expanded online delivery services, and more affordable shopping choices—have reduced Jubilee’s role in meeting this need. After a season of discernment, we have decided to close Jubilee Food Market. Our last day of operation will be Monday, March 31st.
We are extremely grateful for the seven years of impact JFM has had on the neighborhood. From providing jobs to our neighbors to offering healthy food options close to home and sustaining our neighbors through the COVID-19 pandemic, JFM served the community well and left a lasting legacy in the area. From the founder of Mission Waco, Jimmy Dorrell, “We celebrate Jubilee Food Market and all that it provided to this neighborhood. We are grateful to all who shopped there and who donated their time and resources to make sure there was an oasis in what was once a food desert.” We are committed to retaining all JFM employees by offering them new roles within Mission Waco. Our staff is critical in helping us continue to fulfill our broader mission of empowering, equipping, and engaging. A new strategy will allow us to focus our resources on expanding and strengthening programs and services and are excited about the many possibilities for the site of JFM. We prayerfully and diligently enter this new chapter expecting to see an even greater impact on the lives of the people we serve.
For more information about the transition and Mission Waco’s ongoing programs, please contact Carlos Hinojosa, Associate Executive Director of Advancement through our main office.
This non-profit grocery has served impoverished neighborhoods in Waco for nearly a decade, dwelling on N 15th Street and Colcord Avenue since 2016. Mission Waco originally established Jubilee Market to address a food desert in North Waco, stocking shelves with fresh, affordable produce, home goods, and everyday items. With competing markets in the area, such as HEB, Mission Waco has decided to invest in their other projects around the community. While processing the loss of this Waco staple and figuring out the next shopping spot, ensure neighbors have access to their necessities, for the community is great, but it is made better with food. Celebrate the ending chapter of Jubilee Food Market in Waco.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
WACO, Texas – The Greater Waco Sports Commission is looking for volunteers for two upcoming spring events: the Light Up the Dark 5K on April 12 and the 3V3 Basketball Tournament on April 25.
The Light Up the Dark 5K, presented by Chick-fil-A and hosted by Unbound Now, will take place at Cameron Park Zoo. This family-friendly race supports Unbound Now’s anti-human trafficking efforts. Multiple volunteer shifts are available, with some allowing participants to both volunteer and run in the 5K.
The 3V3 Basketball Tournament, hosted by Baylor University, will be held at Midway High School. Volunteers are needed to run the clock, update brackets and help keep the tournament on schedule.
Both events are listed on POINT and can be accessed through the Greater Waco Sports Commission website at wacosports.org/volunteers or by logging into a POINT account and viewing the GWSC page.
For more information, contact Caitlyn at Caitlyn@wacosports.org.
Debbie Wright is driven by a passion for social media management, digital storytelling, and community activism. She specializes in creating engaging online content. Through blogs, she explores local culture, art, lifestyle, and travel, while fostering ccommunity. Tune into the Know Waco podcast for dynamic conversations and insights.
WACO, Texas – The Waco Downtown Farmers Market hosted its first gathering at Bridge Street Plaza on Saturday, marking a new chapter for the weekly event. While initial concerns about parking suggested patrons might face a 15-minute walk, most attendees found themselves within a five- to 10-minute stroll of the market.
The new East Waco location proved to be an upgrade, offering walkable pathways between vendors, open green spaces for families and pets, and shaded seating areas. At the heart of the market, musicians performed on a central stage, adding to the lively atmosphere on a picture-perfect day.
The debut at Bridge Street Plaza drew a strong turnout, leading to long lines and high demand. Some vendors sold out of products before noon. Travis French, owner of No Label Mushrooms, was optimistic about the market’s future.
“I’ve been doing markets for a long time—many in the area. With this kind of turnout, we’ll stock more next time,” French said. “We just hope this crowd and energy continue.”
With sunny skies, enthusiastic crowds, and a strong sense of community, the Waco Downtown Farmers Market’s first event in East Waco was a resounding success.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
Waco Block Party 2025 is set to bring the community together once again for a weekend filled with music, local vendors, and a celebration of creativity. From February 28 to March 2, this annual event, hosted by Southern Roots Brewing Co. and Rogue Media Network, will showcase Waco’s vibrant arts and culture scene while supporting a meaningful cause.
This year’s Block Party will benefit The Cove, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and support for unhoused youth in Waco. The Cove is a Waco-based nonprofit designed to specifically provide a safe space for youth experiencing homelessness to access the resources they need to thrive. The Cove serves our community as a safe haven for high school students experiencing homelessness, offering essential services such as hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, and access to counseling, job training, and academic support. Their mission is to create a nurturing environment where youth can find stability, develop skills, and build a path toward a brighter future.
With a full lineup of events designed to engage and entertain, the weekend promises something for everyone.
The event kicks off on Friday, February 28, with an All Request Piano Night at Southern Roots Brewing Co. From 7 to 10 PM, guests can request their favorite songs, sing along, and enjoy craft beer and food from Southern Roots, setting the tone for an exciting weekend ahead.
Saturday, March 1, is packed with activities, including a Battle of the Bands, a vendor market, and a car show. Local musicians will compete for the top spot, while vendors showcase unique handmade goods and businesses from across Waco. Car enthusiasts will also have the chance to admire a variety of classic and custom vehicles. With entertainment, shopping, and community engagement all in one place, it’s the perfect way to spend the day.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, March 2, with The Texas Creator Awards at the Waco Hippodrome. This event highlights some of Texas’s most talented podcasters, filmmakers, writers, and social media creators, recognizing their impact on storytelling and digital media. The awards ceremony is a chance to celebrate the creative voices shaping the region’s artistic landscape.
Waco Block Party isn’t just about having a great time—it’s about giving back. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go directly to The Cove, helping provide much-needed services to youth in need. By attending, sponsoring, or spreading the word, the Waco community can play a role in making a lasting difference.
Mark your calendars and gather your friends for a weekend of music, community, and purpose. Stay connected by following Southern Roots Brewing Co. and Rogue Media Network on social media for updates. https://www.wacoblock.party/
Debbie Wright is driven by a passion for social media management, digital storytelling, and community activism. She specializes in creating engaging online content. Through blogs, she explores local culture, art, lifestyle, and travel, while fostering connections within the community. As part of rebranding Cultivate Waco, she has lead a community art initiative project that hosts pop-ups, classes, and events to inspire creativity and collaboration. Tune into the Know Waco podcast for dynamic conversations and insights.
Waco’s Downtown Farmers Market appears every Saturday morning, supplying locals with fresh produce, baked goods, juicy meats, and homemade trinkets. Propped in front of the McLennan County Courthouse, tents and food trucks fill the parking lot as swarms of bodies file down sidewalks to shop, talk, and eat amongst the community. The farmers market has resided in front of McLennan County’s courthouse for eight years, reviving the heartbeat of Waco on a weekly basis. Just two years ago, a second market location opened across the river for seasonal goods on Wednesday evenings at the Bridge Street Plaza.
This weekend, the WDFM will be making the mile move across the Brazos, establishing their permanent residence in East Waco at the Plaza. While plans to move the Saturday market have been public for some time, many residents are uninformed of the relocation. Baylor University junior and frequenter of the Saturday market shared her excitement for current occupants of East Waco, stating that this move will bring commerce to new parts of the city. However, she stated, “I don’t know enough about the move to make a firm opinion on it, like where it is even being relocated.” The Baylor junior admitted that she is not nearly as impacted as the small businesses and local residents who may be adjusting to the shift.
With over fifty local vendors stocking goods from a 150 mile radius, the Waco Downtown Farmers Market sources fresh, affordable foods throughout the year–a considerable feat in the harsh Texas climate. While the move may be beneficial for commerce within these small businesses and within the greater Waco economy, the effect for Wacoans has yet to be seen or felt. This shift follows developmental and financial investments in East Waco, with which the city plans to aid restoration of the vibrant neighborhood by revitalizing abandoned buildings, preserving historic landmarks, and centralizing the plaza as a hub for community.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.
If you are searching for the perfect holiday activities to entertain family and friends, look no further. This is a comprehensive list of available shows and events catering to the holiday season, the spread of Christmas joy, and the interests of all in our community.
Waco Wonderland will be hosted December 6th through the 8th in downtown Waco. This three-day day celebration, brought about by the City of Waco, the Downtown Public Improvement District, City Center Waco, and other sponsors, kicks off the holiday fun and cheer.
With a tree lighting, a firework show, a snow tube slide, a ferris wheel, and visits with Santa, this community-wide spectacle is a fantastic attraction for all ages. Be sure not to miss the Christmas Parade and Grouchy Santa Experience happening on Saturday night!
Cha Community x Designs with Jamie are overseeing the BIPOC Holiday Market on December 7th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This market will feature 15+ Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) small businesses, handmade vendors, and local artists. Cha Community is also providing a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) sale on boba drinks with the event, so sip and shop with the community at 1001 Franklin Avenue!
Waco Civic Theater is performing It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical throughout the start of December. With shows from the 5th to the 8th, the 12th through 15th with varying start times, there are plenty of opportunities to see this classic Christmas narrative performed through song! Later in the month, join the Civic Theater for the Royce Montgomery Rat Pack Christmas and Rudolph: The Red-Nosed Reindeer. Show dates, times, and tickets are available on their website.
Waco Symphony Orchestra will be performing The Nutcracker, a treasured holiday tradition, on Saturday, December 14th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 15th at 2 p.m. These shows will take place at the beautiful Waco Hall on Baylor University’s campus. After the Sunday matinee, meet and take photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier Prince in Roxy Grove Hall.
The Waco Trolley Christmas Lights Tour is a ninety minute tour of the greater Waco area, displaying the greatest Christmas light assortments in our community. This particular tour will be hosted from November 29th through December 28th, with plenty of opportunities to snag tickets to this cherished event! The Trolley Tour takes the stress out of finding the best light displays, navigating through the slow vehicles, and crafting the delicious hot cocoa.
Cameron Park Zoo is inviting you to Wild Lights! This event will take place from November 29th through December 31st, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. Experience the Cameron Park Zoo from a different light, with Christmas spirit floating through the park.
The Mayborn Museum will be recreating the holiday season in the historic village, with Christmas Lights in the Village starting on December 13th through the 15th. They will have a second opportunity to attend from the 20th through the 22nd. The Christmas Village will occur from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m each night, with creative storytelling and the beloved Christmas Train.
The season of thanks is in full swing, and as the day of joining and feasting approaches, we reflect and show gratitude for all that occurs for us. While it is easy to get caught up in the hustle of preparing meals, gathering with loved ones, and counting our blessings, this time is the perfect opportunity to give to those who may be struggling or in need. Volunteering during the Thanksgiving season is a unique way to experience gratitude and spread holiday cheer for others in our community. For ways to contribute your time and energy in Waco, here is a compiled list of volunteer opportunities searching for participants.
The Salvation Army is hosting Thanksgiving Lunch on November 28th from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. at the Community Kitchen located at 300 Webster, Waco, TX 76706. While the first shift is already filled with eager volunteers, the second shift, working from noon to close, is still looking for several available contributors. Alongside the Thanksgiving Lunch, the Salvation Army will be hosting a Christmas Lunch on December 25th and continuing their Community Kitchen and Family Thrift Store volunteer opportunities.
Mission Waco will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving Lunch on November 28th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Methodist Church of Waco. They will be hosting chapel the half hour before lunch with an hour of BINGO following! They are seeking volunteers to help prepare turkeys ahead of time, such as cooking, deboning, separating meats, and to assist with food preparation on November 27th. For information on volunteering please email Bailie Rouse at brouse@missionwaco.org.
Food For Families is an annual project hosted by the Longhorn Council–Scouting America, H.E.B. Grocery Company, and KWTX News 10. With food pantries across Central Texas, this food drive collects non-perishable items and stocks the shelves of banks and pantries in our area beyond the holiday season. Join them on Friday, November 22nd for the 35th year of Food for Families. All food and monetary donations will benefit nine local food pantries. Their goal for this year is 550,000 pounds of food, and with your help, they will achieve that total! What’s Needed? Canned Meats, Tuna, Chili, Stew, Chicken, Canned Vegetables, Sugar, Corn Meal, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Cereals, Flour, Peanut Butter, Dry Beans, Flour, Rice.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a senior double majoring in English and Professional Writing & Rhetoric at Baylor University. She works as a Transcription Assistant at the Baylor University Institute for Oral History and is President of the Baylor Ice Girls for the 2024-2025 season.